DreamWorks Commissary Workers Strike Amid Union Contract Negotiations

On Thursdays, the usual bustle during breakfast and lunch hours at DreamWorks Animation’s canteen seems slightly altered.

A significant number of cafeteria staff at the animation studio’s Glendale campus including dishwashers, cooks, cashiers and others went on strike this Thursday morning due to an ongoing dispute over their union contract. Their union, UNITE Here Local 11, declared the work stoppage on this day, claiming that their employer, Bon Appetit Management Group, has not reached a reasonable agreement with them in the negotiations.

As a gamer, I’ve got some exciting news to share! The company behind Bon Appétit, the brand that keeps my gaming sessions fueled, is actually part of a larger group known as Compass Group. This global powerhouse provides food services through its subsidiaries to a variety of places I frequent too: corporate offices (like Sony, Paramount, Disney, and NBCUniversal), school campuses, sports stadiums, and even senior living centers. Now that’s some impressive reach!

Workers at DreamWorks Animation Studios’ cafeteria are the unsung heroes supporting Hollywood’s glamour from behind the scenes. It’s crucial for Compass Group and Bon Appetit to acknowledge their hard work by negotiating a just and respectful contract that guarantees living wages and benefits,” stated Susan Minato, president of UNITE Here Local 11.

Workers within the union have consistently advocated for better salaries, enhanced healthcare options, and improved benefits ever since discussions started in the summer of 2024. The least well-compensated workers in this union receive a rate of $17.75 per hour, which is $1.25 more than the minimum wage.

Ingrid Lopez, who’s been with DreamWorks for over two decades, stated that she’s on strike due to being undercompensated. Her daily commute exceeds an hour, and her personal expenses include $2,500 in rent each month. Lopez expressed concerns about her ability to afford basic necessities like housing, as her rent is already a significant burden and is expected to rise further.”

Or even more concisely:

“After 20 years at DreamWorks, Ingrid Lopez is striking because she feels underpaid. Her long commute and high rent (totaling $2,500 per month) make it difficult for her to cover essential expenses, as her rent is expected to increase.

The protest is set to continue until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The Hollywood Reporter has attempted to get a statement from Compass Group.

Among the notable advantages for staff members at the studios of Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Shrek, one such benefit is enjoying complimentary breakfast and lunch at their expansive 4,000-square foot dining facility. This perk has been a part of the studio culture since its inception back in 1994 when it was founded by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen.

As a gamer reflecting on my past experiences, let me tell you this: The free grub wasn’t just about filling our stomachs; it was an essential tool for bonding a team. Instead of scattering during lunch breaks, we’d all head to the cafeteria, stock up on food, then sit by the lake, chatting and munching together. Laughter echoed across the water as we strengthened friendships over shared meals.

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2025-07-24 20:24